MPs raise strong concerns over border, governance & development issues
KATHMANDU: The House of Representatives witnessed intense discussions as lawmakers raised multiple national concerns, including border issues, foreign diplomacy, budget accountability, governance reforms, and infrastructure development.
Border Dispute Not Raised in India Visit, Says RPP Chief Whip
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chief Whip Khushbu Oli expressed dissatisfaction over Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, alleging that the issue of Nepal’s border dispute was not raised during his recent India visit.
Speaking in the House, she claimed that the official press note issued after the visit did not include any reference to the border issue.
Oli said the minister focused only on “border management” instead of the “border dispute,” stressing that both are different matters.
She further urged that Nepal should strongly raise the Lipulekh and Kalapani issues during upcoming diplomatic engagements.
UML Lawmaker Demands Accountability Over Past Issues
CPN- UML MP Guru Baral challenged Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle over his remarks in Parliament, saying the opposition is ready to clarify past incidents.
He stated that the opposition is prepared to “separate truth from allegations” and demanded the formation of a parliamentary investigation committee.
Baral also accused the government of manipulating budget-related figures and urged immediate parliamentary scrutiny to ensure transparency and accountability.
Demand to Summon Defence Minister Over Susta Incident
Shram Sanskriti Party Chair Harka Sampang raised concerns over alleged intimidation of Nepali citizens by India’s SSB in the Susta border area.
He demanded that the Defence Minister be summoned to Parliament for clarification, noting that Prime Minister Balen Shah is currently handling the defence portfolio.
Sampang also questioned restrictions on Nepal Army movement in border regions and called for immediate clarification from the government.
Concerns Over Mechi Highway Expansion in Taplejung
UML MP Kshitij Thebe raised concerns about the proposed expansion of the Mechi Highway in Taplejung, saying the 30-metre road widening could seriously impact local settlements and the economy.
He said the project would require removal of houses and structures in Fungling and Suketar, and urged the government to prioritize alternative routes such as the Tamor Corridor.
Call for Governance Reforms and Land Report Implementation
Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Amresh Kumar Singh urged the government to immediately implement the National Integrity Policy 2074.
He also called for action on a long-pending report prepared under former Supreme Court Justice Mohan Raman Bhattarai regarding alleged illegal occupation of government, public, and Guthi lands, claiming the report has been politically stalled.
Parliament Presses Government on Multiple Fronts
Lawmakers from different parties continued to pressure the government on issues including border security, foreign policy clarity, budget transparency, infrastructure development, and governance reforms, reflecting growing scrutiny of the executive in Parliament.
